Family and communities are vital in growth, however, growth of character is a personal journey. The routes taken such as changing or accepting oneself, it is these uncontrollable situations that determines the development of an individual’s identity. “Not my friend hair itself, for I quickly understood that it was innocent… it was the way I related to it that was the problem.” (Walker 1090). An individual may choose to pay mind to the outside view of how your life should be run, however, it is he who decides if his identity changes, it is he who allows his identity to become affected by these…
We must as human beings learn to accept that we are all different and try to understand and respect that each person is an individual and therefore should be treated respectfully as an individual.…
“You can't change who you are. No matter how you struggle, some things will never change. And maybe they shouldn't” (Thurman, Rob). “Identity is a powerful organizing presence in social life today” putting people into sections concerning likes and dislikes, culture and customs, separates them via social, economic and religious differences, identity makes a person, a person (Leve, Lauren). The character regarding one’s self is shaped by identity, how they view themselves, and largely how society views them. Influences that impact people into what or whom they will become, and how their presence is perceived, will shape them throughout his or her lifetime. Many are more conscious of their identity when put into situations where they stand out.…
It wasn’t until I reached high school that I realized I was treated slightly different because of who I was perceived to be. I was never accepted into any Avid classes, I had to look for college resources on my own, and I had to get used to people being surprised when I would advance academically during my four years. Although, it felt like they expected me to fail (As cliché as it sounds) I don’t hold any contempt towards them because that’s what my “historical identity” pointed towards. I grew up with a certain crowd that dressed a certain way, acted a certain way, and performed poorly in school. Only one of my parents graduated high school and I grew up in a neighborhood that didn’t have many avenues of success through education in the past. These factors shaped what they thought my identity was, but it wasn’t something they were deliberately doing, just something most of the country has become accustomed to doing. While I was working towards going against these expectations that came from my “historical identity”, I was also having an internal struggle (I possibly still am) with finding out who I really am. I was trying to create my own, I wanted to be comfortable with myself and the best version of myself. I no longer had that mob mentality within that I previously had when I was younger where I would follow what my older cousins and neighborhood friends were doing. I started to dress how I…
In this paper, I will investigate the "Problem of Personal Identity". The particular scenario I will respond to is: "Suppose that sometime in the future a crazy scientist creates a perfect clone of you. The clone has a qualitatively identical body to yours and has the same memories as you as well as same voice, character, and so on. How would yo convince a court of law that the clone is not really you? What theory of personal identity would help you to make your case" (Rauhut, 2011, p. 125)? First I will clarify key terms, and then I will apply those terms in my analysis of the question. Then I will close out by reflecting on my conclusion and some insights I gained about the Problem of Personal Identity.…
“To know our refuse is to know ourselves. We mark our own trail from past to present with what we've used and consumed, fondled, rejected, outgrown.”…
While some individuals fall into society’s influential traps, many stay true to themselves even when outside forces try to persuade them otherwise. Identity is a mysterious, constantly changing idea, and each individual has their own. It is important that other individuals avoid influencing others, as this will allow for greater self identification among individuals, as opposed to mass conformity to society's views. An individual's actions dictate how their identity is lived out. The values an individual has form the base of a strong identity, and their beliefs give them the motivation to act when their identity and way of life is…
One’s own identity is derived not by circumstances, but rather by his or her experiences, moral values, as well as motivation. Especially in today’s media, people love to read or watch about impossible stories of rags-to-riches, and they try to incorporate those stories’ motivational plots into their quest to become successful. I concur with Thomas Merton in that I believe “identity is much more than the name or features one is born with. True identity is something people must create for themselves.” One’s origin does not fully account for one’s identity, but it is shaped rather by actions and perception of self. Ideals from “People Inside Me”, “Cut”, and “Commencement Speech at Mount Holyoke College” all influence my point of view regarding…
There is an unfortunate reality in that there are millions of people around the world who are willing to do almost anything, even lose themselves, just so they can be accepted and become part of the crowd. To keep things in perspective, wanting to be accepted, wanting to fit in is not exactly a bad thing. In fact, it’s basic human nature for survival and social growth, and it starts at a very young age. During our developmental years, we feel the need to be accepted or be worthy of acceptance. This can’t be met when you are isolated, other people have to be involved if these needs are to be met.…
It is important for us to be true to ourselves and follow our own instincts. An advantage of being true to ourselves is that people will see the real us, perhaps for the first time, without a mask. People will see what we are truly like on the inside and outside. If we open up and be true to ourselves, people will see what we excel at or fail out; they will see our imperfections and talents. We just have to decide what is more important, conformity or being true to ourselves. If we decide not to conform to certain groups, we may discover things about ourselves that we did not already…
The identity we assume can often be a large part of how we see ourselves and how others around us can get a snapshot of our personalities, our origins, and how we wish to be portrayed. Sometimes the line between distinct identities can be blurred and a person can lose sight of who they are or where they feel like they belong most. Such can often be the case for immigrants as myself, who can sometimes struggle to find the identity that addresses the new life they have molded into and most represents their culture and experiences.…
When someone asks me about my identity I usually do not know what to say. Probably because no one asks me about my identity. It has taken me many years to get to where I am now and I am still trying to improve myself and find myself. However, in seventh grade I met someone who changed my life forever and is the reason I had even tried to find myself. Due to this person entering in my life, I now have someone else who is the reason that I try to better myself and find all of my identity. This poster points out a lot of key points over the time it took me to find myself, when I did not even know I was missing.…
Identity is something human beings hold dear. Humans are very complex beings and it is difficult to pinpoint exactly what makes up who a person is or can be. Now, the most common generalizations as to what makes up an identity are: personality, likes, dislikes, experience(s), religion, soul, memories and beliefs. A physical form isn’t mentioned; because the body is a temporary thing. A body doesn’t necessarily mean that it is part of the identity since; what will last forever in not the body but the impact left by personality or ideas, for they are everlasting.…
The three favorite objects that are symbolic of defining my identity are a bible, Kente cloth, and my college acceptance letter to Holy Cross. These three objects are very important to and have played a part in making me the motivated, open-minded, and independent young adult I am today. The first being a bible was given to me a church brother. At the time I was building my faith in God, it was a gift without the notion of how meaningful the bible would help me to seek God more and find favor in the eyes of others. The book of Ruth has shaped my identity to the fullest to live with purpose and be willing to sacrifice a lot for others. As a matter fact I have been able to build confidence in myself not being moved by materialistic aspects, but…
Outside in Urbana, Ohio, it’s an oddly summer-like day for February; the sun shines through speckled clouds and the wind blows through the open window of an apartment at Rotary Manor, a retirement home down the street from my house. On the floor of this apartment, lies a woman, seventy-seven years old with short curly black hair, dark brown eyes, & tan Mexican skin. Normally a visit to Mee-Maw’s meant being fed past stuffed and watching her “stories”; That is not the case on this occasion. My mother knocks, turns the handle, and lets the door slam shut behind her. Soon, an ambulance arrives. Soon, there is nothing the doctors can do. Soon, this gives me new resolve.…